In a progressive and unprecedented move, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has sworn 30 women into the Shura Council. The Council, a previously all-male body, is in charge of advising the king on issues that affect Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah amended the council’s statute last month by requiring that 20 percent of the 150 members be women. King Abdullah’s female appointments mark the first time in Saudi Arabia’s history that women have been allowed to hold any political office. Read More